My mother was awarded a “Good Neighbor” award – awarded annually to an individual in her county – yesterday afternoon. I’d have liked to be there, but couldn’t because: a) I don’t live closer; b) I’m not independently wealthy and had to work; c) don’t have my own airplane/can’t fly under my own power…YET. I think that she is very deserving of the award and wonder why it took the selection committee so long to come to the same conclusion that I had come to years ago: I have one of the coolest mothers in the world. Actually, she is THE coolest – but I don’t want to get tons of hate emails from people who feel the same way about their own maternal units.

Anyway… I’ve known about this award ceremony since Jess and I were there last month. We also knew that short of a minor miracle (or major windfall) that I wouldn’t make it back to NC for it. That was pretty easy to accept. Reality, what a concept! The odd thing was trying to time a phone call so that I could say “Congratulations” to her AFTER the whole thing was over and not ruin the surprise. That, in and of itself, should have been relatively easy… except that neither I nor my uncle (in NY) could get in touch with anyone who knew what time it was. So, I did what any good time zone-challenged son would do: I waited until after 8pm in Mom’s timezone. Some friends of the family – more like “extended family” – had driven down from MD for the event and were there when I called; that made me feel a little better.

Talking to her, she also confirmed that she, my stepdad, and my uncle will be coming out for a short visit in two weeks. I’m looking forward to this because: One of my sisters is the only family member who’s been out to see me since I moved here and my folks will get to meet Jess’ parents. Of course, I now have to figure out things that we can do/places to take them while they’re here. That shouldn’t be TOO hard… I hope.

Anyway… it’s almost 2:10 and I should finish getting ready for work. Thank God that it’s my “Wednesday,” only 24 working hours to go.